Vapor recovery apparatus employing dispensing nozzle with condensing capacity

ABSTRACT

A conventional liquid dispensing nozzle with connecting liquid line is adapted to include a flexible, annular sealing means with a plurality of concentric holes disposed therein; a plurality of refrigerant expansion coils; and a projecting condensate portion mounted on the emission end portion of the dispensing nozzle. Refrigerant supply and return lines communicate through the annular sealing means with a conventional external refrigerant supply. The flexible annular sealing means accommodates a continuous seal with variously sized entry ports on liquid storage tanks when the dispensing nozzle is inserted into such tanks for liquid transfer. An alternative dispensing nozzle embodiment employs a detachable baffle means which includes an annular gasket and contiguous depending sleeve adapted to surround the inserted dispensing nozzle.

United States Patent 1 Heath et a1,

[ 51 Nov. 25, 1975 1 1 VAPOR RECOVERY APPARATUS EMPLOYING DISPENSING NOZZLE WITH CONDENSING CAPACITY [75] Inventors: Stephen D. Heath, San Diego;

- Lorenzo Borbolla, Jr., Dulzura. both [21] Appl. No.: 489,818

[52] US. Cl. 62/54; 62/293; 55/88; 141/44; 141/82; 220/85 F; 220/85 VR;

[51] Int. Cl. F17C 13/00 [58] Field of Search 220/85 F, 85 VR. 85 VS, 220/86 R; 222/146 C; 239/1323; 62/389,

3.791.422 2/1974 Johnson et a1. 62/54 X 3.835.900 9/1974 Godbier 141/348 FOREIGN PATENTS OR APPLICATIONS 1.540.096 9/1968 France 220/85 F Primary E.rami'nerWilliam F. O'Dea Assistant ExaminerDonald C. Capossela Attorney. Agent, or FirmPatrick J. Schlesinger [57] ABSTRACT A conventional liquid dispensing nozzle with connecting liquid line is adapted to include a flexible. annular sealing means with a plurality of concentric holes disposed therein; a plurality of refrigerant expansion coils; and a projecting condensate portion mounted on the emission end portion of the dispensing nozzle. Refrigerant supply and return lines communicate through the annular sealing means with a conventional external refrigerant supply. The flexible annular sealing means accommodates a continuous seal with variously sized entry ports on liquid storage tanks when the dispensing nozzle is inserted into such tanks for liquid transfer. An alternative dispensing nozzle embodiment employs a detachable baffle means which includes an annular gasket and contiguous depending sleeve adapted to surround the inserted dispensing nozzle.

8 Claims. 3 Drawing Figures U.S. Patent Nov. 25, 1975 VAPOR RECOVERY APPARATUS EMPLOYING DISPENSING NOZZLE WITH CONDENSING CAPACITY BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION l. Field of the Invention This invention relates to a vapor recovery apparatus.

more particularly to a liquid line dispensing nozzle which is adapted to inject a volatile liquid into a receiving tank without the normal vapor loss attendant such transfer. Vapor loss is prevented by in situ condensation of vapors within the receiving tank.

A problem of long standing in the art has to deal with escaping vapors when transferring volatile liquids from a liquid source to a receiving tank. Vapors from the transferred fluid are generated because of elevated ambient temperatures and kinetic energy imparted to the liquids being transferred. Additionally, receiving tank vapors seek container escape when displaced by the transferred liquid volume.

2. Description of the Prior Art Because of the aforementioned recognized art problem, various apparati and operational methods have been developed to preclude vapor loss and noxious dissemination into the atmosphere. The most pertinent prior art to that disclosed in the instant invention relates to fluid transfer apparatus wherein the escaping vapors are transferred to a separate holding tank area for adsorbent storage and/or condensation.

Representative of this art is a patent issued to W. C. Rich Jr., US. Pat. No. 2,965,196 wherein the escaping vapors are channeled to a transportable activated carbon adsorbent. Obviously condensation is not effected in this instance.

Another vapor recovery apparatus of more recent design is described in a patent issued to E. R. Davis, US. Pat. No. 3,672,180. This apparatus employs condensation of expelled vapors, but is distinguishable in that it necessitates a complicated vapor recycle system wherein condensation is accomplished in a remote auxiliary tank via a Z-stage compression cycle. A similar emission control system utilizing a vacuum operated vapor recycle is described in a patent to G. R. Onufer, US. Pat. No. 3,581,782, wherein the expelled vapors communicate through an extensible dispensing nozzle to a remote filter and condensing means.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The invention accomplishes vapor recovery by providing a dispensing nozzle with attached refrigerant means adapted to condense in situ developed vapors within the receiving tank. This is accomplished by providing a conventional liquid line dispensing nozzle with a flexible annular sealing means adapted to accommo date variously sized receiving tank entry ports. The sealing means includes a plurality of air holes through which the displaced air passes after being stripped of the condensed fuel vapors. An external refrigerant supply communicates through the sealing means with an expansion valve and attendant expansion coils annularly disposed about the dispensing nozzle. Therefore, when the specially adapted liquid line dispensing nozzle is inserted into sealing engagement with the entry port of a receiving tank, the energized expansion coils provide for condensation of developed and expelled vapors inside the receiving tank.

Accordingly, it is an object of this invention to provide a fluid dispensing nozzle with refrigerant means located directly on said nozzle.

It is a further object of this invention to provide a relatively inexpensive transportable in situ vapor recovery means which does not require a complicated expelled vapor recycle system.

A further object of this invention is to provide a detatchable baffle means for effecting contact between the escaping vapors and attached refrigerant means.

Another object of this invention is to provide a transportable dispensing nozzle with refrigeration capacity adapted to accommodate variously sized receiving tank entry ports.

These and other objects, advantages, and novel features of the invention will become apparent from the following detailed description of the invention when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein:

FIG. I is a fragmentary view in partial section showing the dispensing nozzle adapted with refrigeration coils inserted into the entry port (shown in section) of a liquid receiving tank which is not shown.

FIG. 2 is a partial sectional view taken along plane 22 of FIG. 1 showing the annular periphery of vents through which air escaping from the receiving tank passes.

FIG. 3 is a similar partial sectional view showing an alternative embodiment wherein the escaping vapors are directed over the dispensing nozzle refrigerant coils by means of a detatchable seal and metal sleeve annularly disposed about said dispensing nozzle.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT Referring to FIG. 1, a conventional liquid line dispensing nozzle (10) is shown with its emission end 11) inserted into an entry port (20) of any conventional liquid receiving tank (not shown). Also not shown is a conventional self-venting entry port cap adapted to close the entry port (20) opening when the receiving tank is not being filled. Directly communicating with said dispensing nozzle 10) is a liquid delivery line 12) emanating from any conventional liquid source (not shown) such as a fuel storage tank. The conventional dispensing nozzle (10) further includes a standard metering valve. not shown, a pistol type trigger guard (13). an operating lever (14), and generally includes an automatic shutoff, not shown, which is adapted to stop the flow of liquid when the level in the receiving tank reaches a predetermined level.

Annularly disposed about the emission end (11) of said dispensing nozzle (10) is a flexible sealing means indicated generally as 15). The annular sealing means is adapted to accommodate a continuous seal with variously sized storage tank entry ports (20). Although the annular sealing means may be of various configurations, the preferred embodiment of this invention contemplates a flexible cup-shaped sealing means which opens outwardly in the direction of said entry port (20). The sealing means comprises an annular base portion (16) which is directly bonded to the emission end (ll) of the dispensing nozzle and an annular depending outer wall (17) the radius of which enamates outwardly and longitudinally downwardly from said dispensing nozzle.

The sealing means further comprises a plurality of holes (36) through said annular base portion (16) arranged in annular fashion about the dispensing nozzle. Although the sealing means may be made of any suitable flexible material. the invention prefers a high density rubber. lntegrally bonded to said sealing means is an annular sleeve (35) preferably of conventional sheet metal construction. This annular sleeve (35) is bonded to the sealing means base portion (16) at a radius slightly greater than that occupied by the annular plurality of air vents (36). The annular sleeve depends downwardly from the sealing means forming an effective intermediate channel (37) with the outer periphery of the dispensing nozzle emission portion (11 An external liquid refrigerant supply of conventional means is represented generically at (30 The liquid refrigerant supply line (31) provides a conventional liquid refrigerant such as Freon to a conventional expansion valve (32) located on the outer periphery of the dispensing nozzle wherein the expansion valve precedes a plurality of expansion coils (33) mounted about the dispensing nozzle emission portion.

As is well known in the art. conversion of the liquid refrigerant to its gaseous state through the expansion valve and attendant coils requires heat. thereby absorbing the same from the immediate environment and inducing condensation of developing vapors within the annular channel (37). Accordingly. the vaporized refrigerant is recycled via return line (34) to the liquid refrigerant supply (30) wherein conventional compressor and condensor means (not shown) are provided. The refrigerant supply (31 and return (34) lines communicate through the complementing sealing means air vents (36) as shown in FIG. I.

To accommodate more efficient vapor condensation in the receiving tank. the expansion valve and attendant expansion coils (33) are separated from the dispensing nozzle emission portion (11) via suitable insulation means wrapped about said dispensing nozzle and a defined condensate projecting portion (18) is provided which emanates from said dispensing nozzle. The projecting portion (18) facilitates vapor condensation and gravity return of condensed liquid to the receiving tank liquid medium. Although the projecting portion may be formed on or affixed to the dispensing nozzle in a variety of ways. this invention prefers a bonded location proximate the refrigerant coils at the forward end of the dispensing nozzle emission portion (11). Similarly. the projecting portion contemplates a variety of sizes and shapes but prefers a wedge shape configuration culminating in a terminal point at the forward end (19) of said projecting portion (18).

An alternative embodiment of the instant invention employing a detachable baffle means is shown in FIG. 3. As shown therein, an insulated dispensing nozzle with attached expansion valve (32). refrigerant coils (33). and condensate projecting portion (18) is disposed in a receiving tank entry port Rather than employing a baffle means attached to the dispensing nozzle, this embodiment utilizes a detatchable baffle means (40) to channel the escaping vapors directly over the refrigerant coils (33).

The baffle means (40) comprises a flexible annular gasket (41 preferably of high density rubber material. and a contiguous depending sleeve (42) adapted to channel all escaping vapors over the refrigerant coils. The depending sleeve (42) may be either integrally molded with said gasket or contiguously bonded thereto by any suitable adhesive. Similarly. the depend- 4 ing slee\e may be of either rigid metal or molded pl. tic construction.

Although most receiving tank entry ports are ofsta dard size, the detatchable baffle means may accomnn date variously sized entry ports b using a wide track gasket (41) as shown in HO. 3. Additionally. the depending sleeve (42) may be made of varying thickness. taper. and/or bias to preclude uncondensed vapors from collecting in the receiving tank above the liquid le\el in areas removed from direct refrigerant exposure.

The dispensing nozzle vapor recovery means of this invention will work with liquid receiving tanks of either the older self-venting variety or the newer internal vapor recovery variety. When the dispensing nozzle is employed with the older self-venting variety. as liquid is pumped into the recovery tank all vapors will seek escape via the annular channel (37) disposed about the dispensing nozzle. On the other hand. if the dispensing nozzle is used with newer receiving tanks such as those presently employed in late model automobiles. which have internal recovery systems. the displaced vapors will seek escape either via the annular channel (37) or via some internal recovery channel. In either event the displaced vapors will be recovered or stored. not vented into the atmosphere.

In the event a receiving tank is used which has a vent removed from the entry port with no internal recovery means. obviously the vent would have to be closed prior to liquid fill. Such closure could be effected via either servo or manual means.

While preferred embodiments of the vapor recovery system are shown and described above. it is understood that various changes and modifications can be made in their construction and relative organization of elements without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the following claims.

I claim:

1. A vapor recovery apparatus comprising in combination:

a7 a dispensing nozzle and attached liquid load line;

b. a receiving tank having a filler opening to receive the nozzle therein;

c. means for effecting a continuous engagement be tween said dispensing nozzle and said receiving tank around the tiller opening;

. refrigerant means surrounding said dispensing nozzle on the receiving tank side of said continuous engagement means when the nozzle is inserted in such filler opening; and

e. a source of refrigerant communicating with said refrigerant means for chilling and condensing vapors in the zone surrounding the nozzle on the receiving tank side of the continuous engagement means.

2. A vapor recovery apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said continuous engagement means comprises a flexible sealing sleeve. annularly disposed about and attached to said dispensing nozzle. and of a size to communicate with the receiving tank around variously sized tiller openings.

3. A vapor recovery apparatus according to claim 2 wherein said refrigerant means is comprised of a plurality of refrigeration coils insulated from an outer side of said dispensing nozzle by insulating means and wound about said insulation means.

4. A vapor recovery apparatus according to claim 3 wherein said refrigerant means employs a convention. I

expansion valve communicating with said refrigerant source and positioned in the refrigerant line immediately adjacent said refrigeration coils about said dispensing nozzle.

5. A vapor recovery apparatus comprising in combination:

a. a liquid receiving tank and filler opening;

b. a dispensing nozzle and communicating liquid delivery line wherein said dispensing nozzle is adapted to extend into said opening;

c. a flexible annular sealing means attached to said dispensing nozzle wherein said sealing means further includes an annular base portion having a plurality of concentric holes disposed therein, an outer wall depending from said annular base and emanat ing radially outwardly and longitudinally downwardly of said dispensing nozzle and adapted to effect a continuous engagement between said dispensing nozzle and said receiving tank opening, and an annular sleeve depending from said annular base in a location intermediate to said outer wall and said concentric holes;

d. an external source of refrigerant;

. refrigerant supply and return lines communicating through said annular base with an expansion valve and a plurality of refrigerant coils disposed about and insulated from an outer side of said dispensing 6 nozzle on the receiving tank side of said sealing means; and

f. a defined condensate point emanating from said dispensing nozzle and extending into said receiving tank.

6. A vapor recovery apparatus comprising in com bination:

a. a dispensing nozzle and attached liquid line;

b. a receiving tank having a filler opening;

c. refrigerant means located on said dispensing nozzle;

d. a source of refrigerant communicating with said refrigerant means; and

e. a directing means for channeling vapors from said receiving tank over said refrigerant means.

7. A vapor recovery apparatus according to claim 6 wherein said directing means comprises a detatchable baffle adapted to accommodate variously sized clos able openings.

8. A vapor recovery apparatus according to claim 7 wherein said detatchable baffle means is further defined as including a flexible annular gasket adapted to effect continuous engagement with said closeable opening and a contiguous depending sleeve adapted to encompass said dispensing nozzle when said nozzle is inserted within said receiving tank. 

1. A vapor recovery apparatus comprising in combination: a. a dispensing nozzle and attached liquid load line; b. a receiving tank having a filler opening to receive the nozzle therein; c. means for effecting a continuous engagement between said dispensing nozzle and said receiving tank around the filler opening; d. refrigerant means surrounding said dispensing nozzle on the receiving tank side of said continuous engagement means when the nozzle is inserted in such filler opening; and e. a source of refrigerant communicating with said refrigerant means for chilling and condensing vapors in the zone surrounding the nozzle on the receiving tank side of the continuous engagement means.
 2. A vapor recovery apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said continuous engagement means comprises a flexible sealing sleeve, annularly disposed about and attached to said dispensing nozzle, and of a size to communicate with the receiving tank around variously sized filler openings.
 3. A vapor recovery apparatus according to claim 2 wherein said refrigerant means is comprised of a plurality of refrigeration coils insulated from an outer side of said dispensing nozzle by insulating means and wound about said insulation means.
 4. A vapor recovery apparatus according to claim 3 wherein said refrigerant means employs a conventional expansion valve communicating with said refrigerant source and positioned in the refrigerant line immediately adjacent said refrigeration coils about said dispensing nozzle.
 5. A vapor recovery apparatus comprising in combination: a. a liquid receiving tank and filler opening; b. a dispensing nozzle and communicating liquid delivery line wherein said dispensing nozzle is adapted to extend into said opening; c. a flexible annular sealing means attached to said dispensing nozzle wherein said sealing means further includes an annular base portion having a plurality of concentric holes disposed therein, an outer wall depending from said annular base and emanating radially outwardly and longitudinally downwardly of said dispensing nozzle and adapted to effect a continuous engagement between said dispensing nozzle and said receiving tank opening, and an annular sleeve depending from said annular base in a location intermediate to said outer wall and said concentric holes; d. an external source of refrigerant; e. refrigerant sUpply and return lines communicating through said annular base with an expansion valve and a plurality of refrigerant coils disposed about and insulated from an outer side of said dispensing nozzle on the receiving tank side of said sealing means; and f. a defined condensate point emanating from said dispensing nozzle and extending into said receiving tank.
 6. A vapor recovery apparatus comprising in combination: a. a dispensing nozzle and attached liquid line; b. a receiving tank having a filler opening; c. refrigerant means located on said dispensing nozzle; d. a source of refrigerant communicating with said refrigerant means; and e. a directing means for channeling vapors from said receiving tank over said refrigerant means.
 7. A vapor recovery apparatus according to claim 6 wherein said directing means comprises a detatchable baffle adapted to accommodate variously sized closable openings.
 8. A vapor recovery apparatus according to claim 7 wherein said detatchable baffle means is further defined as including a flexible annular gasket adapted to effect continuous engagement with said closeable opening and a contiguous depending sleeve adapted to encompass said dispensing nozzle when said nozzle is inserted within said receiving tank. 